A Home with the Rancher by April Arrington

Author:April Arrington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-12-08T13:42:50+00:00

Chapter Seven

Mac had a routine for packing before a hike. A fast, efficient method that ensured he was always well-prepared for a night of camping.

It took his kids two minutes to shoot it all to hell.

“No, Maddie.” Mac tugged another pile of clothes from her bag. “You’re not taking eight sundresses for one night of camping.”

“I have to take them,” she said, plopping onto the grass beside her bag. She shielded her eyes against the afternoon sun and looked up at him. “I need them.”

“What for?”

“For after we swim in the creek. I’ll need something dry to put on.”

“That’s why we picked out two pairs of shorts and two shirts,” Mac said. “You’ll have one dry outfit to wear when you get out and the wet set will be dry by morning for when we start back.”

“But it’ll be dirty—”

“We’ll be dirty, Maddie.” He took a long, calming breath. “That’s part of camping.”

“I don’t like that part.” She frowned. “And I want to take my dresses.”

Good Lord. At this rate, it’d be sundown before they even started.

Mac smothered a groan then stared past her toward the hiking trail. It was four o’clock. They were supposed to have left for the overlook an hour ago but he’d underestimated the challenges of helping three children pack for one night outdoors. And the effect one thin piece of paper could have on him.

“We got the snacks, Dad.”

Grass rustled at Mac’s back and he glanced over his shoulder. Jaxon and Nadine walked across the field, their backpacks fully packed and settled on their backs. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, a break—

“Wait.” Mac held up a hand, watching as they drew to an abrupt halt, overstuffed grocery bags clutched in each of their hands and swinging against their legs. “What’s in those?”

“Pork skins.” Jaxon smiled and lifted one of the bags. “And chips and salsa and—”

“Soda, cheese dip and video games,” Nadine added.

“Nope.” Mac shook his head, walked over and tugged at the bags. “No, no, no. Y’all are going to put all of this right back where you got it from. I don’t want you carrying more than—at most—ten percent of your body weight. Besides, the purpose of this trip is to spend time together. You won’t have time for video games and I’ve already packed all the food we need.”

Jaxon scowled. “But, Dad—”

“What food did you pack?” Nadine asked, tugging back at the bags. “Cuz I don’t like that stinky chili stuff you usually bring.”

“Chili?” Maddie stuck out her tongue. “Yuck.”

Mac gritted his teeth. “Nadine, let go of the bag.”

She pulled harder. “But—”

“Everything okay?” Smiling, Dani walked up, eyeing his grocery bag tug-of-war with Nadine.

The sun hit her just right, shining through her hair, highlighting her pink cheeks and bouncing off her white T-shirt where it clung to her sexy curves.

Mac’s heart skipped a beat. The remembered feel of her in his arms made his hands itch to reach for her again.

Jaxon shrugged. “Dad said we can’t take the chips and salsa.

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